Game On Magazine September 2015 - Page 4

SYDORA
Wins 2015 MJHL IBAM
Scholarship, Off to Bisons
By Johnston Hall
Photo by Ryan Sawatzky
For Winkler Flyers head coach Ken
Pearson, Dasan Sydora was more than just
a goaltender. In fact, the 20-year-old from
Red Deer, Alta., who came to the Flyers
from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey
League’s LaRonge Ice Wolves, was a
community volunteer and a team leader.
“Not only was Dasan an asset on the ice,
he was an outstanding citizen off the ice,”
said Pearson. “When he wasn’t stopping
pucks for the Flyers, he was volunteering
his time with minor hockey teams,
reading to children in school and visiting
local daycares.
“His commitment and work ethic were
unrivaled, with countless hours spent in the
gym and the video room trying to improve
his craft.”
Seems the folks who run the Manitoba
Junior Hockey League noticed, as well. Back
in the spring, Sydora was named the winner
of the 2015 IBAM-MJHL Scholarship.
The Insurance Brokers Association of
Manitoba awarded Sydora a cheque for
$2,000 at the IBAM President’s Dinner in
early May in Winnipeg.
Sydora was probably the most
important defensive factor in any
success that Flyers had during the 201415 season. He accounted for 84 per cent of
the Flyers’ wins, finishing the season with a
record of 26-10-5.
The runner up for the MJHL’s Top
Goaltender Award, Sydora was one of the
highest ranked goaltenders in every
statistical category among those who had
played at least 10 games. He ranked third
among MJHL goalies in wins (26), finished
tied for third with three shutouts, was third
in goals against average at 2.61 and
second in save percentage at .921.
He was also named winner of the
Flyers Coaches Award for 2014-15 and was
also named the MJHL’s Goaltender of the
Month or was a runner up for that
4 GAME ON
SEPTEMBER 2015
award on several occasions.
Sydora has committed to the University
of Manitoba Bisons and is expected to play
for head coach Mike Sirant at the U of
M. Sydora will be studying for a business
degree.
“Dasan was an exceptional addition to
our hockey club this season,” said
Pearson. “He will be missed both in
our locker room and in the
community.” n
The Insurance Brokers Association of
Manitoba is one of the most committed
and cherished supporters of amateur
hockey in Manitoba. From the Winnipeg
Jets to the Manitoba Junior Hockey
League, IBAM is part of our great
Canadian game.